How to Use Acrylic Paint – My Top 8 Tips!

Are you wondering how to use acrylic paint? I love using acrylic craft paint – it's one of my top supplies for all of my creative projects. In this article I share my 8 favorite tips with you!

Plaid has a great painting education center with tips on how to use acrylic paint, as well as videos. Enjoy that and the guide below – and if there are more questions you have that I can answer on how to use acrylic paint, leave them in the comments. I'll do my best to help you.

Why Choose Acrylic Paint for Your Crafts

I'm thrilled to share my knowledge with you as a long-time user of acrylic craft paint. I paint nearly every Mod Podge project before the Podge goes on, and I use acrylic paint on projects that I don't decoupage as well. If I can get away with using acrylic craft paint, even on a furniture re-do, I will. Why? Because:

it's easy to use – easy to brush and flows well, true to color

it's non-toxic and waterbase (typically made in the US; check the label)

it's inexpensive compared to oil-based paints

clean up is simple – no solvents needed

Acrylic Craft Paint Supplies You'll Need

Craft painting isn't hard – you can really just dive in. However, you will need some supplies. Here's what I always have on hand (in addition to paint):

How to Use Acrylic Paint – 8 Tips

I've been thinking long and hard about my most important tips on how to use acrylic paint, so that I could narrow it down for you. Hopefully these tips will help you, especially if you are making home decor, gifts, wall art, or any other projects that need to look fabulous (and flawless!). These are my top tips for how to use acrylic paint.

1. Choose the right type of paint and the right color. Make sure you read the bottle carefully while you are in the store as opposed to just throwing it into your basket. I know the acrylic craft paint aisle has a ton of selection, but you need to look carefully because it's better than getting the wrong thing and making multiple trips.

You should look at the bottom of a bottle of paint to tell what the color is, rather than the label. While you are looking at the color through plastic, it's more accurate than the label color because it's the actual paint. Remember that it's going to dry just a touch darker than you see through the bottle – just a little. I match all my paint using the bottom of the bottom and never have a problem!

2. Prepare your surface thoroughly. I've found that good surface preparation can make a project. Not preparing a surface can “break” a project. Here are the surfaces and what you should do:

Wood – Sand smooth with fine grit sandpaper, wipe off sawdust.

Glass – Thoroughly wash in warm, soapy water to remove dirt, dust and grease film. Then rinse in warm water and let it dry.

Plastic – Clean with soap and water. You will need a special plastic paint though – acrylic paint in bottles or tubes doesn't stick to plastic very easily. I find the best way to paint on plastic is with spray paint made for plastic (then you can Mod Podge or use acrylic paint on top).

Papier-Mâché – Wipe clean with slightly damp cloth to get rid of dust and let dry.

Terra Cotta – Wipe clean with damp cloth to remove dust and let dry.

Tin – Wash with soap and water, then wipe with a white vinegar dampened cloth if it’s really dirty.

If you have a question about whether acrylic craft paint is going to work on your surface, do a small test in an inconspicuous area and let it dry. Try to scrap it off with a fingernail – you'll be able to tell if it's going to work or if the paint is going to scrape right off very easily.

3. Use good quality brushes and take care of them. It's important to me to use soft natural bristle or taklon brushes (I love these brush sets – or these). A crappy brush will show brushstrokes or leave brush hairs in your project. I have wanted to throw a project across the room because I couldn't get a brush hair out of it – they are very elusive! Invest in your brushes and they will invest in you!

Wash your brushes between projects and leave them to dry on a paper towel (use your fingers to shape them while they are wet). Well cared for brushes are worth the investment because they will last a long time. The same goes for rollers or sprayers. Don't scrimp and clean them up throughly afterwards.

4. Don't put too much paint on your brush. Paint should only be from the middle of your brush hairs up towards the tip. You do not load the entire brush up to the metal part (know as the ferrule). It's better to go back and get more paint than to have too much.

Too much paint can make the brush go wacky when you press it down and make the paint harder to apply (especially important for detail work). If you need to cover a bigger surface, get a larger brush or use a roller. I'm telling you that I don't have patience – but I never load my brush with too much paint. Patience is a virtue in this situation, trust me.

5. Consider priming, and definitely basecoat dark items with white. If you don't prime, you can possibly spend a lot longer covering an item, and you may not get the adherence of paint or the brightness of color that you are looking for. This is especially true if the item is dark. I've painted 20 coats of a lighter color over black and didn't even have 100% coverage.

I recommend using gesso or a highly pigmented white (like FolkArt Titanium White) for priming. Kilz is also great if you need a large amount of primer or a product that acts oil-based.

6. Keep water nearby so that you can add it to your brush frequently. Acrylic paint, when put on a palette, tends to dry out somewhat quickly. It's not THAT quickly, but it's enough that the paint could start drying while you are painting an item. Don't thin out the paint too much because you'll dull the color, but it's okay to dip your brush into water in a basin and swirl it around into the paint to get it going again.

I typically pull my brush out of the water basin, press lightly to a paper towel, then add paint. By pressing my brush into a paper towel, I'm removing some of the water . . . but not all. This helps me in the summer especially when (because of the area I live in) my paint dries quickly.

7. Use a sealer to finish. Acrylic paint has a somewhat chalky feel (well, depending on the finish) without a sealer applied. Some acrylic paints are Satin or Gloss and have a built-sealer, so then you won't have to add anything on top. If there is no built-in finish, I would use a clear acrylic spray or brush on sealer so that the surface doesn't scratch easily. It's not required, but it's helpful to make your project last longer.

8. Make paint chips. Use cardstock to create “chips,” or small squares that show the colors you have in your stash. That way you know what you have for the next project. They're very easy to put together; simply cut cardstock into 1″ squares and paint a little bit in the middle, then let dry. There's your sample! Now you can take the chips to the store for home decor matching . . . rather than hoofing the table you painted to the fabric store to get coordinating curtains!

Now that you have a better grasp of how to use acrylic paint, I want to tell you about my favorite brand – I recommend FolkArt paint! I've using it for years. What do I love about it? Many things!

Amazing color palettes

Comes in many types (Enamels for glass, Fabric, Outdoor, etc)

Creamy consistency and good coverage

Durable finish

Water based, matte finish

Made in the USA

I know I sound like an infomercial, but this isn't sponsored – I just really love this paint. I've tested a lot of different kinds and it's easiest to work with by far.

Want to try your hand at a project – maybe you're new to using acrylic craft paint? Check out the video below – with three fun techniques to make canvases! Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video:

If you enjoyed this article on acrylic craft paint, here are some others that you might enjoy:

Thanks for the great tips! I’ve been painting with acrylics for several years naow and have a couple other tips that I’ve used and a possible solution for the painting on plastic issue.

First, I came across this tip years ago for and use it especially for an older bottle of paint that may have been sitting around for a while. Cut a small piece of nylons or panty hose, remove the cap from the bottle and stretch the material over the opening, then screw the cap back on over it. This will help filter out any blobs of paint that may have accumulated while sitting.

Second, for painting on plastic, I have basically “primed” my surface with some of the “Fusion” for plastic spray paint. Just be sure to use a matte or flat color. Then I painted directly over it with my acrylics. I did this on some plastic flower pots over ten years ago and they are still looking great. I didn’t even bother to seal them and they have been outside ever since.

Any tips for painting a light color over a dark color? I just put sealer (Triple Thick) over a canvas painting and anywhere I had painted a light color over a dark color the dark color bled through. Thanks!

i am about to embark on making a shabby chic wooden heart garland for my home, I would like to know whether i will still need a primer for the hearts, they are bought already cut – i will be painting them white and red.

I used these paints when doing my teracotta pots. My granddaughters started with me at age 3, rather than any other paints, we use acrylics. And I use FINGERS, a child’s finger is perfect for flowers, etc. Pansies are beautiful. Taught the 9 yr old how to ‘clean the brush’ making puff flowers. We take the 4 inch terra pots, paint as a theme and add a Goodwill bought animal that matches paint. Donate to Relay for Life. Everyone wants something painted by a child! I seal all pots with any good brand of clear spray paint. Several layers when using for real plants on the steps. Every couple years reseal.

Hi Dana! Yes you can definitely do that! and I haven’t mixed glitter with acrylic paint, but you’d probably have issues because the acrylic paint is opaque so it would cover up the glitter. But it’s worth trying!!

Hi Amy. I am starting to do my arts and crafts thing again. I was a girl scout troop leader for 7 years (in charge of “creativity”) many years ago. And while I swore off glitter and actually cringe at the very sight of it (;-), I never stopped “creating” things for myself. I am now venturing into the wonderful world of scrap booking and found tiny unfinished wood pieces like stars and clothespins. I am so glad I found you! Your tips are great as I have to paint these little treasures. My question: how can I paint them being they’re so small (1/2 – 3/4 inches) without messing them up! Can I dip them using tweezers? How can I dry them w/o screwing it up!? Help! Thanks for your help and a great site.

HI, I want to use acrylic paint to paint over a factory printed canvas then I am going to modpodge top it with a design from scrapbook paper and modpodge on top of the whole thing to seal it in good..my question is, can i just paint right over the print or to I need to primer it first?

Hi Anonymous! If you are wanting to drink out of it (and wash it), you’ll need to use Enamel paints and no Mod Podge. If it’s just decorative, the acrylic is fine, and you can use Mod Podge to make it glossy 😀

Thanks for the tips. I’ve only got in contact with my ‘inner crafty’ the last couple of years! It has been a journey. My FYI is, I paint plastic pots with acrylic paint. Yep. I sand them first (I saw this online), with sand paper from Dollar General, then spray a clear,plastic primer and let dry.

I tried to paint a design on a wooden stool that had been spray painted with a satin finish acrylic. The craft paint didn’t give good coverage…and easily peels off like skin. Do I have to sand it down to bare wood and start over? Any suggestions? I really, really, want this project to work!

I found your blog through google trying to think of a way to “re-color” my heels. I don’t know why I purchased a pair of pink heels. It’s not really my style — maybe I got inspired from looking at someone’s fashion post and thought I could pull it off. I don’t know much about arts & crafts but I was wondering if you could help! My idea sounds like it’ll work in my head, but sometimes they don’t fall through like I planned. I was thinking to use acrylic paint, or some other type of paint, to re-color the leather on my heels black and then possibly using mod podge as a top coat. I don’t think it’s real leather or anything too special since the shoes were very inexpensive, $30 to be exact. I don’t want to leave them sitting in my room anymore collecting dust since they’re a very comfortable pair of shoes! Hopefully your crafty expertise can be of help! 🙂

I am new at all of this type of crafting, but I have a project in mind and not sure how to proceed. I want to use a canvas and combine both scrapbooking paper and paint to design unique art work. In my mind, I mod podge the paper in place and then after that dries, paint designs, patterns, etc. around and across the canvas.
Does this sound correct? And if so, is the acrylic paint (Apple barrel, etc) the type paint I should use. If not what kind should I use.
Thanks for the in put!

I am wanting to decoupage a decorators table that I have and use it as a side table. The top is made of plywood. Do you recommend the acrylic pain to the surface first. I plan on using old wallpaper the size of the top of the table as a backdrop and then putting bright color paper flowers over the wallpaper. Just wanted your thoughts as to which way to go. Thanks

Hi Natalie! You don’t HAVE to use paint over plywood – but I always do. If you don’t, sand lightly and wipe away the dust. You don’t want there to be any coating and you want the surface to be smooth and clean.

I have a pair of metal earrings that are painted from Wal-Mart. The paint has come off of them so I am taking them back. I want to get a new pair and was wondering if I put Mod Podge on them before I wear them, will it keep the paint from coming off? Thanks for your help.

I want to thank you for this article – it’s very helpful! I am a big fan of your blog. I recently have started painting canvas shoes with acrylic paint . But i want to fix the paint, is it ok if I top coat with modpodge and which one of them would u suggest? Also if there is any other thing to fix the paint which I can find in India?? please let me know . It would be great help. Thank you

Hi Amy! Your tips are very useful!
I have two little question (about vinyl material), I hope you can help me 🙂
Exactly, how does gesso primer work? Do I have to mix it with water and then use it with a brush, like common paints? I ask you this because I’m worried applying it on a rounded vinyl surface will cause little cracks.
And, I’ve always heard sealer has to go under the paint, do you think putting it over could give problems? Maybe is there something else I could use to protect a painted vinyl object and prevent it from scratching?
Thank you!

Hi Leila! Gesso primer works by itself – no water required. BUT I’m concerned about putting it on vinyl. Vinyl and acrylic based products typically don’t mix. I’m not quite sure what to do except use a plastic primer and then paint over it . . .

I need some help and can’t seem to find an answer anywhere. i have a wooden shape. on the wooden shape i painted a layer of acrylic paint (pink) with no problems. i then placed cut out words made out of contact paper over that. I then painted a layer of white acrylic paint over that. Then, I painted another layer of acrylic paint (brown) over that. When i took off the contact paper to reveal the letters (pink) the brown peeled right off of the white. I’m not sure why it’s doing that or that i can do to fix it :\

I did let everything dry. I’m not having a problem with the paint under the contact paper coming up it’s the top layer of brown paint that is peeling off the middle layer of white paint. My white paint is “My Studio” by a.c. moore and my brown is also “My Studio” by a.c.moore.

I came to the conclusion that it was the white paint. I had painted 3 different projects throughout the weekend with the white below another layer of paint and on all three projects the top coat of the other color peeled right off! I have pictures of all the lovely peeling paint. Needless to say, i won’t be buying ac moore brand acrylic paint….

Can you give a suggestion of a type of sealer to use on top of acrylic over an unfinished (sanded) wood toy building? The project looks good but definitely has that chalky feel, and also I’d like it to be easier to wipe clean later. I think a paint-on vs. spray one would work best for this project but I’m not sure which kind would be best, I’ve used some bad sealants before that yellowed or distorted the color, or didn’t have a good feel themselves :(.

Hi! I used acrylic paint on a canvas and I am going to mod podge pictures and cardstock letters onto it. (Think 20×20 birth announcement for my bedroom wall!) I just finished painting it and it’s drying. Do I need to spray it with a sealer (Mod Podge brand, of course!) before I Mod Podge the pictures and letters, or can I just Mod Podge away? My fear is that the paint is going to smear the colors, because I’ve painted the canvas 2 different colors. Thanks!

Maybe you can give me a suggestion. I’m redecorating my library and want to make people size paintings of book characters. I’m planning to paint the character on white butcher type paper then use concrete block adhesive to stick it to the wall. Could I then mod podge over the whole thing to give it a more finished look? Any advice would help 🙂

Hi there! You could try it – I don’t know anything about concrete block adhesive so I can’t be sure that they will interact okay. I would try a test first! But you can definitely Mod Podge things to the wall just fine 😀

Hi I googled painting with acrylics on unfinished wood and found you!!! Yay!!!
If I am understanding all the messages before I can find acrylics for exterior uses? I should prime first? I have kilz. I also can seal with water based polyurethane?
I have my grandchildren coming for a visit and I bought unfinished birdhouses for us to paint. I thought it might be a nice memento of time with grandma.
I obviously would like them to last as long as possible. Thanks for your help.

Hi Sherrie! For painting the birdhouses, I would use FolkArt Outdoor. THEN I’d also put a poly coating on the outside. You don’t need to prime first UNLESS you live in a really wet area – like the northwest. Have fun!

Hi, I really enjoy reading all of this great information. I had a question about some necklace pendants that I am making using unfinished wood. I am painting them with acrylic (not with built in sealer) and then using a glaze (diamond glaze) to give the top a glossy shine. I was wondering if I should use a sealer before I apply the glaze? Thank you for any suggestions you may have.

not sure if you can help, but here it goes, I painted a small wood truck, spent at least 15 hours of very detailed painting, then use polyuathane (?) and now the pale pink only after 3 days has crazy yellow striks…don’t really know what to do…HELP, Please

Thanks for the info. I have recently painted some wine glasses with plain acryllic colours and was wondering if I should use a clear spray to seal it? I have read baking helps but dont want to take chances that my paint burns in the oven! Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Chandra! Are you going to be drinking out of them? You will not be able to wash them unless the paint is enamel/made for glass. If they are just for display, using a clear spray sealer is just fine.

Hi Kara! There are special formulas just for glass if you would like them to be washable (for example, FolkArt Enamels). If you aren’t going to wash the plate, then yes, you could use regular acrylics and just spray seal.

Hi Amy, Great name by the way:-D!!
I bought a great apothecary jar that’s clear glass with a plackard on the outside that says “Treats” & want to paint it to be used for dog treats (Honey Nut Cheerios! Our vet recommended them because they’re wayyy healthier & not fatt-
ening & our pups LOVE them). I see that I need to use enamel rather than acrylic, but is it ok for me to paint the inside of the jar as I had planned? And do I need to seal it? If so, what product do you recommend? Thanks so much!

Hi, I use water based non-toxic acrylic paint and seal with non-toxic mod podge sealer that drys with a shine. I want to try the matte finish sealer and picked up a small bottle (the big craft store only had the large shiny mod podge, found the matte finish at a much smaller store) i don’t like the lines it leaves. I am using a small paint brush to apply the sealer, should I use something else? everything has to remain NON-TOXIC so this is pretty much what i have to work with unless you have better options? Should I try mixing in the sealer with my pain BEFORE i paint? or continue to paint then seal? any advice would be helpful. thank you !!!!

Use a soft bristled brush and then sand between coats. To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wood and lightly sand the entire surface. Do this between every coat. After the final coat, sand and then spray a clear acrylic sealer to finish.

Thank you for your reply. I have not found a NON-TOXIC sealer spray. Its critical everything I use be NON-TOXIC, is there one? I will be thoroughly reading through your entire site as soon as I can!! thank you….